Fluid devices for computors



-Dec. 17, 1963 H. H. GLKTTLI FLUID DEVICES FOR COMPUTORS 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 50, 1962 FIG. 1

HANS H. eL'ATm mflM AGENT Dec. 17, 1963 H. H. GLATTLI FLUID DEVICES FOR COMPUTORS 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 30, 1962 a a a a 2 NW United States Patent 3,114,390 FLUID DEVlCES FOR CGMPUTGRS Hans H. Gldttli, Kusnacht, Zurich, Switzerland, assignor to International Business Machines Corporation, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Jan.- 30, 1962, Ser. No. 169,921 Claims priority, application Switzerland Feb. 3, 1961 6 Claims. ((11. 137-597) The present invention relates to fluid apparatus and more particularly to an arrangement of a plurality of fluid controlling cells wherein each cell has a main stream, controllable by a control input means, which selectively defleets the stream to flow into an. output means and wherein each cell is arranged so that a stabilizing influence is exerted upon said stream when flowing into said output means.

Fluid units are known in the art, in which a main fluid stream can be displaced to the one or the other side by fluid control streams, which are directed against the side of the main stream. The control streams need only a fraction of the power of the main stream. Such units are useful as amplifiers or as flip-flop arrangements.

In the field of fluid operated computer devices, the above described units may be utilized forfast switching. In arrangements, where such units are used to form stages, which are connected in series, it will be necessary that the information proceeds controllably from one stage to the other. In order to obtain such operation, one would normally require three cells per stage.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an arrangement of a plurality of cells operable by a fluid, that requires only two cells per stage for shifting information in a given direction.

It is another object of the present invention to provide an arrangement of a plurality of cells operable by a fluid, that requires only a single source of fluid that is pulsed, for each stage.

According to the present invention, a first and a second cell are arranged in series and disposed such that for said first cell said stabilizing influence on the main stream is smaller than the displacing influence of its control input means, and for said second cell said stabilizing influence on the main stream is larger than the displacing influence of its control input means, and in that the fluid flow of the main stream of said second cell is selectively controllable.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from thefollowing more particular description of preferred embodi ments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective and exploded view of a basic cell as utilized in the arrangement of the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows schematically a shift register, and

FIG. 3 shows schematically a binary counter.

The basic cell shown in the example of FIG. 1 consists of a block having formed ducts therein for the conduction of the fluid and the formation of fluid streams. There is shown a perspective and explodedview of such a block which consists of three individual plates 14, 15 and 16. In the finished cell, the three plates are tightly placed one upon the other, so that no fluid may pass from one duct to another between the joints in the plates. 4

As shown, the basic cell is provided with an input 2 from which a fluid main stream is injected in the direction towards the sharp edge of the divider 3. If no deflection of the main stream takes place, the stream will divide itself equally into the outputs 4 and 5. Control inputs 6 and 7 for a control fluid are provided. If, for instance, a control fluid is injected through the input 6 it will displace the main stream fed from input 2 to cause it, or at least the predominant amount thereof, to flow into the output 5, and only to a small extent will there flow fluid into the output 4. On the other hand, if a control fluid is injected through the control input 7, it will deflect the main stream such that at least the predominant amount thereof will flow into the output 4, and only we small extent will there flow fluid into the output 5. From the outputs 4 and 5 fluid will leave the cell of FIG. 1 through the output channels 8 and 9. The cell 1 of FIG. 1 is further provided with feed-back channels it and 11, built into the plates 14 and 16, respectively. These channels -represent fluid passages from the outputs 4 and 5 to a further pair of inputs 12 and 13, respectively, and form feed-backs which exert a stabilizing influence on the main stream when flowing into one of said outputs 4 and 5. In I In order to explain the stabilizing influence, let it be assumed that the main stream from input 2 and deflected V by a control signal supplied by input 7 is displaced to the output 4. Under these conditions, a part of the fluid of the main stream is fed into the output channel 8 and another part into the feed-back connection 10. This feedback connection supplies a further control fluid to stabilization input 13, which further displaces the main stream such that it flows into output 4 and thus stabilizes the main stream to keep it flowing in output 4. The main stream will stay stabilized in this condition even after the control fluid supplied by control input 7 discontinues to flow. The

analogous condition prevails, obviously, if the main stream impinges upon output 5," so that a feed-back signal is ap plied through the hole shown at output 5 and through the feed-back connection 11 to the hole of the stabilization input 12 in the plate 15.

In the PEG. 2 there is shown schematically a shift register arrangement comprising the cells 29 to 23. Each cell is provided with a main stream 24, 25, 2-6, and 27, respectively. In the case that an input signal is prevailing at the control inputs 215 to 31, all the main streams are deflected to the outputs 32 to 35, respectively. In the case that an input signal is delivered by the control inputs 36 to 39, the main streams are deflected to the outputs 46) to 43, respectively. Fluid that flows into the outputs 32 to 35 is returned to the stabilization inputs 44 to 47, respectively, by the feed-back conductors 4:: to 51, respectively. Fluid delivered by the main streams to the outputs id to 43 is returned to the stabilization inputs 52- to 55, respectively, by the feedback conductors 56 to 59, respectively. Furthermore, there are provided connecting paths fill and 65 communicating to the inputs 28 and 35 of the first cell, respectively, connecting paths 61 and 66, connecting the outputs 32 and 40 with the inputs 2% and 37, respectively, connecting paths 62 and 67, connecting the outputs 33 and'dl with the inputs 30 and 38, respectively, connecting paths 63 and 68, connecting the outputs 3d and 42 with the inputs 31 and 3?, respectively, and connecting paths i4 and 69, communicating with the outputs 35 and 43. There are built into the connecting paths 61, 6d, 63 and 63 the throttles '70 to 73, respectively.

The throttles 7t and 71 are incorporated into the connecting paths 61 and 66 between the cells 211 and 21, and throttles 72 and '73 into the connecting paths 63 and 68 between the cell 22 and the next successive cell 23. However, no throttles are provided between the cell 2%) and the cell preceding the cell 25), between the cells 21 and 22, and between the cell 23 and the cell succeeding cell 23. The main streams are adjusted such that the input signals at inputs 28, 36am. inputs 3t), 38' are stronger than necessary to overcome the stabilizing effects of the fluid streams injected at feed-back inputs .4, 52 and 425, :74,

respectively. On the other hand the throttle action of the throttles 7t? to 73 is adjusted such as to insure that the input signals delivered at inputs 29, 3'7 and inputs 31, 39 are of less power than is necessary to overcome the stabilizing effect at the feed-back inputs 4-5, 53 and feed-back inputs 4'7, 55, respectively.

In operation, the main streams 24 and 26 of the main ells Ztl and 22 are continuously flowing, whereas the main streams 25 and 2'? of the auxiliary cells Eli and 23 are pulsed, each pulse causing the information in the shift register to step forward by one unit. Let it be assumed that a control signal at inputld of the cell Zdhas displaced the main stream 24 to the upper output 40, which condition may, for instance, represent a binary 1. If now the main stream 25 of the cell Zll is pulsed on, that means starts to flow, the signal delivered from output through connecting path 66 to the input 37 will deflect the stream 25 in the upward direction, so that it will flow into the output 41 of the cell 21. Note that the stream 25 is set to flow into the output ll before any stabilization action takes place in the cell 31. However, once the streams are flowing, there is, in both cells 23' and 27., a stabilization produced by the feed-backs 5e and 57, respectively, which urges the main streams to remain deflected to the outputs 4t and 4 1. When the stream is in full operation, flowing into output ill, an input signal is fed through conducting path s7 to input oi the cell 22, which will, irrespective of the position in which this continuously flowing stream 26 is set, divert the main stream 26 of the cell 22 to im, inge upon the output 42, where it will remain stabilized, due to the feedback 58 leading to the input 54.

In view of the above, it is seen that the binary information which was stored in the main cell 2% and conveyed therefrom with the start of the main stream 25 to auxiliary cell 21, will shift its information into the main cell 22. With the start of the stream 25, so too has the main stream 27 of the auxiliary cell 23 also started, so that information, which was stored in the cell 22, has been received by the auxiliary cell 23 well before the information of the cell 21 has been forced upon cell 22.

On the other hand, due to the action of the throttles '71 and '73, the information signals supplied by the main cells 26 and 22, which are conveyed through the connecting paths 65 and 68, will be of insuihcient energy to produce any deviations of the main streams 25 and 27, once these last named streams are in their stabilized operation. Thus, the information of the cell Ztl cannot proceed further than to the cell 22. In other words, with the start of the pulsed streams 25 and 27, the auxiliary cells 21 and 23 receive the information contained in their preceding main cells and shift it to the succeeding main cell, where the information remains stored, because the main streams of the main cells run continuously. Thereafter, the main streams in the auxiliary cells will be switched oil.

Assume that with the next start of the streams 25 and 27 the cell 2 3 has now stored a binary 0. Upon the new shift order, the streams 25 and 2 7 will start flowing again. In view of the fact that streams 24 and 26 have never been turned ofhan input signal remains in the case of a binary 0 stored in cell Ztl, at input of the cell 21 and, in view of the binary 1 stored in cell 22, at the input 39. With the new shift order the streams 25 and 27 again start to flow, and will immediately be set: by the input signals now appearing at these inputs 2% and $9, causing the main streams 25 and 27 to flow into outputs 33 and 43, respectively. It will be noted that, at the instant of the start of the flow of the main streams 25' and 27, no stabilizing feed-backs are present in cells 21 and 23, so that the streams 2S and 27 will be displaced in accordance with the input signals delivered by the inputs 29 and 39 to the cells. However, once these auxiliary cells 21 and 23 are in full operation, it is no longer possible to deflect their main stream from one output to the other.

T he second pulse causes, in an analogous way as described before, the binary 0 LG be conveyed from the puts 84- and 35 are provided to deflect the main stream to the outputs 8d and 557, respectively. The inputs 88 and are disposed to deflect the main streams 82 and 83 to the outputs 9i? and 91, respectively. A streamflowing into the outputs 8d and $7 is stabilized by the feed-backs H. and 93 feeding to the inputs fi l and95, respectively. Streams directed to the outputs 9t and 91 are stabilized by the feed-backs 9d and 97 feeding the inputs 98 and 99, respectively. Connecting lines Mill and till connect the output 85 with the input 35 and the output with the input 8%, respectively. Two throttles 192 and 103 are incorporated into these connecting lines 1% and 1431. The connecting lines 184 and 1&5 connect the output 91 with the input 3 and the output 87 with the input 88, respectively.

In operation, the main stream 82 of the main cell 80 is continously running, and the main stream 33 of the auxiliary cell 81 is turned on and oil with each count fed into the counter of FIG. 3. Let it be assumed that the main stream 32 is originally directed to the output 99. With the start of the main stream 33, the signal supplied through connecting line ill} to input 8% will set the stream 83 of the cell 81 also to flow into the upper output 91., However, the stream 83 produces a flow of fluid through the connecting line 164, which will be introduced at input 84 into the cell The arrangement is again such that the influence of the control signals supplied at inputs 84 and 38 is able to overcome the stabilizing force established in the cell Ed by the feed-backs 92 and 96 leading to the stabilization inputs 94 and 98. Consequently, the stream 82 is forced to switch from output 96) to output 86, in which position it is stabilized by feed-back 92 feeding the input 94.

In view of the above switching of the stream in the main cell 3:) to output 86, a signal is produced which is fed through connecting line ltltl and throttle 102 to input The throttle action is such that the signal delivered by input (or a signal at input 89) is of insulficient power to overcome the stabilization produced by feedback 97 (or by feedback 93), feeding to input 99 (or input Therefore, the main stream 33 will remain in its condition, that is, it will stay flowing into output 91.

Following this action, the flow of the stream 83 of the auxiliary cell 81 is switched off. Upon occurrence of the next pulse fed to the counter of FIG. 3, the stream 83 again starts to flow. At the very start of flow there is no feedback action taking place in the auxiliary cell 81. Therefore, due to the continuous presence of the stream 32 in the main cell 5%, and consequently a signal at input 85, the stream $33 is now deflected to the lower output 87, in which it will stay stabilized, due to the feed-back action of elements 93 and 95. On the other hand, a fluid flow from the output 87 is now produced through the connecting line to the input 38 of the main cell 8%. Tie input signal supplied by this input 83 will again overcome the stabilizing influence of feedback 92 leading to input 94, and switch the stream 32 to the upper output 90, where the stream will stay stabilized due to the feed-back 9d feeding to input 98. On the other hand, the signal appearing now in connecting line lllll'will, due to the throttle action of throttle 1%, not be powerful enough to produce a switching of the stream 33 ot' the auxiliary cell 81 to the upper output 91. Such switching will take place only after the stream has been turned oil and started again in the manner already described.

It will be seen that the counter of FIG. 3 will produce an output response in the output ducts 1% and 1tl7 in alternate succession. Upon each resumption of the flow of the mainstream 83, the cells 3%) and 81 will reverse their previous states of stability, and maintain this status until the flow of'the mainstream 83 ceases and resumes again. The cells 8t and 81 can operate stably only if their respective stability states are opposite to one another. Thus, if duct res yields fluid, duct N7 yields none, and vice versa.

From the foregoing. it follows that an essential feature of the present invention resides in the fact that, of two successive cells, a main cell and an auxiliary cell, the control signal is of such power that in the main cell it can overcome the stabilizing influence of the feedback, and in the auxiliary cell it is of less power than necessary to overcome the stabilizing influence of the feed-back. I

In the example described this has been accomplished by the provision of throttles 70 to 73 in the example of FIG. 2 and throttles Hi2 and 103 in the example of FIG. 3. v

The same result is also attainable by other means. For instance, in such other embodiment of the present invention no throttles are provided. Instead, the main stream of the auxiliary cells (in FIG. 2 the streams 25 and 27 and in FIG. 3 the stream 83) are adjusted to supply an energy, which is sutficient to produce output signals which can overcome the stabilization of the cell which they control, and, on the other hand, the main stream of the main cells 24) and 22 in FIG. 2 and stream 82 in FIG. 3 have to be of such energy that the output signals produced therefrom are of less power than neces sary to overcome the stabilization of the cells to which they are applied. This means, in the example of FIG. 3 for instance, that the stream 83 is of suflicient energy to producesignals in the connecting lines 194 and 1% and at the inputs 84 and 88 which can overcome the stabilization established by the feed-backs 92 and 96 in the cell 80. On the other hand, the stream 82) has to be of such energy that the signals produced in the connecting lines ltltl and 191 and at the inputs S5 and 8? have less power than necessary to overcome the stabilization established by the feed-backs 93 and 97.

In a still further embodiment of the present invention, the above result may also be obtained by properly dimensioning the fluid channels. For instance, the cross section of the feed-backs in the main' cells may be correspondingly smaller than in the auxiliary cells. Obviously, the same result may also be obtained by properly adjusting the cross sections of the channels connecting two successive cells, the connecting channels feeding into the main cells being of a wider and the connecting channels feeding into the auxiliary cells being of a narrower cross section.

While the invention has been particularly shown and described with reference to preferred embodiments therei of, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes in form and details 'may be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus for controlling the direction of flow of a fluid stream to manifest a binary datum comprising 1) a first cell having (a) a fluid input duct in which an uninterrupted stream of fluid is flowing, I

(b) a pair of fluid output ducts convergently connected with said input duct,

(c) control means proximate the convergence of said output ducts for selectively deflecting the stream of fluid flowing in said input duct into a selected one of said output ducts to produce a manifestation of a binary datum input by the fluid flow in the selected output duct;

(d) and stabilizing means operative responsive to the flow of fluid in said outputducts for sustaining the flow therein, the said stabilizing means having a lesser effect upon the fluid stream than has the control means,

(2) a second cell having (a) a fluid input duct in which a stream of fluid (d) and stabilizing means operative responsive to the flow of fluid in said output ducts for sustaining the flow therein, the said stabilizing means having a greater eflect upon the fluid stream than has the control means,

- (3) and means connected to the control means of said second cell, and operative responsive to the flow of fluid in the respective ducts of said first cell for controlling the deflection of the stream in said second cell into a corresponding output duct, upon the resumption of flow of fluid in said second cell.

2. A fluid binary data shifting register having a plurality of stages each stage comprising (1) a first cell having (a) a fluid input duct in which an uninterrupted stream of fluid is flowing,

(12) a pair of fluid output ducts convergentl connected with said input duct,

(0) control means proximate the convergence of said output ducts for selectively deflecting the stream of fluid flowing in said input duct into. a selected one of said output ducts to produce a manifestation of a binary datum input by the fluid flow in the selected output duct,

(d) and stabilizing means operative responsive to the flow of fluid in said output ducts for sustaining the flow therein, the said stabilizing means having a lesser effect upon the fluid stream than has the control means,

(2) a second cell having (a) a fluid input duct in which a stream of fluid is intermittently flowing,

(b) a pair of fluid output ducts convergently connected with said input duct,

(0) control means proximate the convergence of said output ducts for controllably deflecting the stream flowing in said input duct into a selected one of said output ducts,

(d) and stabilizing means operative responsive to the flow of fluid in said output ducts for sustain ing the flow therein, the said stabilizing means having greater eflect upon the fluid stream than has the control means,

(3) means connected to the control means of said second cell, and operative responsive to the flow of fluid in the respective ducts of said first cell for controlling the deflection of the stream in said second cell into a corresponding output duct, upon the resumption of flow of fluid in said second cell,

(4) and means connected to the control means of each of said first cells in each stage and operative responsive to the flow of fluid in the respective output ducts in the second cell of the preceding stage for controlling the deflection of the stream in each of said first cells.

3. A fluid operated scalar ring operating in a radix of two comprising (1) a first cell having (a) a fluid input duct in which an uninterrupted stream of fluid is flowing,

(b) a pair of fluid output ducts convergently connected with said input duct,

(c) control means proximate the convergence of said output ducts for selectively deflecting the stream of fluid flowing in said input duct into a selected one of said output ducts to produce a manifestation of a binary input by the fluid in the selected output duct,

(d) and stabilizing means operative responsive to the flow of fluid in said output ducts for sustaining the flow therein, the said stabilizing 'means having a lesser effect upon the fluid stream than has the control means,

(2) a second cell having (a) a fluid input duct in which a stream of fluid is intermittently flowing,

(b) a pair of fluid output ducts convergently connected with said input duct,

(c) control means proximate the convergence of said output ducts for controllably deflecting the stream flowing in said input duct into a selected one of said output ducts,

(d) and stabilizing means operative responsive to the flow of fluid in said output ducts for sustaining the flow therein, the said stabilizing means having a greater effect upon the fluid stream than has the control means,

(3) means connected to the control means of said second cell, and operative responsive to the flow of fluid in the respective ducts of said first cell for controlling the deflection of the stream in said second cell into a corresponding output duct, upon the resumption of flow of fluid in said second cell,

(4) means connected to the control means of said first cell, and operative responsive to the flow of fluid in the opposite corresponding output ducts in said second cell for controlling the deflection of the stream in said first cell to flow into an output duct opposite to the corresponding duct in said second cell,

(5) and means responsive to the flow of fluid in a predetermined one of the output ducts for producing an output manifestation upon each second resumption of the fluid flow in said second cell.

4. An apparatus for controlling the direction of flow of a fluid stream to manifest a binary datum comprising (1) a first cell having (a) a fluid input duct in which an uninterrupted stream of fluid is flowing,

(b) a pair of fluid output ducts convergently connected with said input duct;

(c) a pair of oppositely acting control ducts disposed transversely of a said input duct proximate to the convergence of said output ducts therewith, and operative to deflect the stream of fluid flowing in said input duct into a selected one of said output ducts when fluid is selectively applied to one of the control ducts;

(d) a pair of oppositely acting flow stabilizing ducts disposed proximate to the said control ducts, and operative to maintain the stream of fluid flowing into the selected one of said output ducts when fluid is applied to one of said stabilizing ducts;

(e) and channels interconnecting said fluid output duets with said flow stabilizing ducts such that the flow in either of said output ducts is partially diverted to a corresponding one of said stabilizing ducts to maintain the flowin the output duct, the fluid diverted to said stabilizing ducts having a less forceful deflecting effect than fluid in said control ducts;

(2) a second cell having (a) a fluid input duct in which a stream of fluid is intermittently flowing,

(b) a pair of fluid output ducts convergently connected with said input duct,

(c) a pair of oppositely acting control ducts disposed transversely of said input duct proximate to the convergence of said output ducts therewith, and operative to deflect the stream of fluid flowing in said input duct into. a selected one of said output ducts when fluid is selectively applied to one of said control ducts;

(d) a pair of oppositely acting flow stabilizing ducts disposed proximate to said control ducts, and operative to maintain the stream of fluid flowing into the selected one of said output ducts when fluid is applied to one of said stabilizing ducts;

(e) and channels interconnecting said fluid output ducts with said flow stabilizing ducts such that the flow in either of said output ducts is partially diverted to a corresponding one of said stabilizing ducts to maintain the flow in the output duct, the fluid diverted to said stabilizing ducts having a more forceful deflecting effect than fluid flowing in said control ducts; I

(3) and ducts connecting the respective output ducts of said first cell with the control ducts of said second cell, and operative responsive to the flow of fluid in an output duct of said first cell to deflect the stream of fluid in said second cell into a corresponding output duct thereof upon the resumption of flow of fluid in said second cell.

5. A fluid binary data shifting register having a plurality of stages each stage comprising (1) a first cell having (a) a fluid input duct in which an uninterrupted stream of fluid is flowing,

(b) a pair of fluid output ducts convergently connected with said input duct;

(c) a pair of oppositely acting control ducts disposed transversely of a said input duct proximate to the convergence of said output ducts therewith, and operative to deflect the stream of fluid flowing in said input duct into a selected one of said output ducts when fluid is selectively applied to one of the control ducts;

(d) a pair of oppositely acting flow stabilizing ducts disposed proximate to the said control ducts, and operative to maintain the stream of fluid flowing into the selected one of said output ducts when fluid is applied to one of said stabilizing ducts;

(e) and channels interconnecting said fluid output ducts with said flow stabilizing ducts such that the flow in either of said output ducts is partially diverted to a corresponding one of said stabilizing ducts to maintain the flow in the output duct, the fluid diverted to said stabilizing ducts having a less forceful deflecting effect than fluid flowing in said control ducts; (2) a second cell having (a) a fluid input duct in which a stream of fluid is intermittently flowing;

(b) a pair of fluid output ducts convergently connected with said input duct;

(c) a pair of oppositely acting control ducts disposed transversely of said input duct proximate to the convergence of said output ducts therewith, and operative to deflect the stream of fluid flowing in said input duct into a selected one of said output ducts when fluid is selectively applied to one of said control ducts;

(d) a pair of oppositely acting flow stabilizing ducts disposed proximate to said control ducts, and operative to maintain the stream of fluid flowing into the selected one of said output ducts when fluid is applied to one of said stabilizing ducts;

(e) and channels interconnecting said fluid output (3) ducts connecting the respective output ducts of said first cell with the control ducts of said second cell, and operative responsive to the flow of fluid in an output duct of said first cell to deflect the stream of fluid in said second cell into a corresponding output duct thereof upon the resumption of flow of fluid in said second cell,

(4) and ducts connecting the respective output ducts of each second cell of each stage with the control ducts of the first cell of the next succeeding stage and operative responsive to the flow of fluid in the respective output ducts in the second cell to control the deflection of the stream of the corresponding first cell of the next stage.

6. A fluid operated scalar ring operating in a radix of two comprising (1) a first cell having (a) a fluid input duct in which an uninterrupted stream of fluid is flowing; (b) a pair of fluid output ducts convergently connected with said input duct;

(c) a pair of oppositely acting control ducts disposed transversely of a said input duct proximate to the convergence of said output ducts therewith, and operative to deflect the stream of fluid flowing in said input duct into a selected one of said output ducts when fluid is selectively applied to one of the control ducts;

(d) a pair of oppositely acting flow stabilizing ducts disposed proximate to the said control ducts, and operative to maintain the stream of fluid flowing into the selected one of said output ducts when fluid is applied to one of said stabilizing ducts;

(e) and channels interconnecting said fluid output ducts with said flow stabilizing ducts such that the flow in either, of said output ducts is partially diverted to a corresponding one of said stabilizing ducts to maintain the flow in the output duct, the fluid diverted to said stabilizing ducts having a less forceful deflecting effect than fluid flowing in said control ducts;

(a) a fluid input duct in which a stream of fluid is intermittently flowing;

(b) a pair of fluid output ducts convergently connected with said input duct;

(c) a pair of oppositely acting control ducts disposed transversely of said input duct proximate to the convergence of said output ducts therewith and operative to deflect the stream of fluid flowing in said input duct into a selected one of said output ducts when fluid is selectively applied to one of said control ducts;

(d)"a pair of oppositely acting flow stabilizing ducts disposed proximate to said control ducts, and operative to maintain the stream of fluid flowing into the selected one of said output ducts when fluid is applied to one of said 7 stabilizing ducts;

(e) and channels interconnecting said fluid output ducts with said flow stabilizing ducts such that the flow in either of said output ducts is partially diverted to a corresponding one of said stabilizing ducts to maintain the flow in the output duct, the fluid diverted to said stabilizing ducts having a more forceful deflecting effect than fluid flowing in said control ducts;

(2) a second cell having (3) ducts connecting the respective output ducts of (4) ducts connecting the respective output ducts of said second cell with the opposite stream deflecting control ducts of said first cell,

(5) and a data output duct connected to one of the output ducts of said'second cell operative to produce an output manifestation when fluid is flowing in that output duct upon each second resumption of fluid flow in said second cell.

References Cited in the file of this patent Abandoned application referred to in Horton, 3,024,- 805, .Mar. 13, 1962; application No. 855,477 (filed Nov. 25, 1959). 

1. AN APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING THE DIRECTION OF FLOW OF A FLUID STREAM TO MANIFEST A BINARY DATUM COMPRISING (1) A FIRST CELL HAVING (A) A FLUID INPUT DUCT IN WHICH AN UNITERRUPTED STREAM OF FLUID IS FLOWING, (B) A PAIR OF FLUID OUTPUT DUCTS CONVERGENTLY CONNECTED WITH SAID INPUT DUCT, (C) CONTROL MEANS PROXIMATE THE CONVERGENCE OF SAID OUTPUT DUCTS FOR SELECTIVELY DEFLECTING THE STREAM OF FLUID FLOWING IN SAID INPUT DUCT INTO A SELECTED ONE OF SAID OUTPUT DUCTS TO PRODUCE A MANIFESTATION OF A BINARY DATUM INPUT BY THE FLUID FLOW IN THE SELECTED OUTPUT DUCT; (D) AND STABILIZING MEANS OPERATIVE RESPONSIVE TO THE FLOW OF FLUID IN SAID OUTPUT DUCTS FOR SUSTAINING THE FLOW THEREIN, THE SAID STABILIZING MEANS HAVING A LESSER EFFECT UPON THE FLUID STREAM THAN HAS THE CONTROL MEANS, (2) A SECOND CELL HAVING (A) A FLUID INPUT DUCT IN WHICH A STREAM OF FLUID IS INTERMITTENTLY FLOWING, (B) A PAIR OF FLUID OUTPUT DUCTS CONVERGENTLY CONNECTED WITH SAID INPUT DUCT, (C) CONTROL MEANS PROXIMATE THE CONVERGENCE OF SAID OUTPUT DUCTS FOR CONTROLLABLY DEFLECTING THE STREAM FLOWING IN SAID INPUT DUCT INTO A SELECTED ONE OF SAID OUTPUT DUCTS, (D) AND STABILIZING MEANS OPERATIVE RESPONSIVE TO THE FLOW OF FLUID IN SAID OUTPUT DUCTS FOR SUSTAINING THE FLOW THEREIN, THE SAID STABILIZING MEANS HAVING A GREATER EFFECT UPON THE FLUID STREAM THAN HAS THE CONTROL MEANS, (3) AND MEANS CONNECTED TO THE CONTROL MEANS OF SAID SECOND CELL, AND OPERATIVE RESPONSIVE TO THE FLOW OF FLUID IN THE RESPECTIVE DUCTS OF SAID FIRST CELL FOR CONTROLLING THE DEFLECTION OF THE STREAM IN SAID SECOND CELL INTO A CORRESPONDING OUTPUT DUCT, UPON THE RESUMPTION OF FLOW OF FLUID IN SAID SECOND CELL. 